Saturday, January 23, 2010

Will You Be my Valentine? A Sweet Valentine Give-Away!

I was recently in the process of negotiating with my hubby over some fabulous antique cherub lamps I found to add to our Family Room (really. . . that just involved a lot of whining on my part and trying to change his mind by creating some of his favorite dinners). His logic (and distain for pudgy little cherubs) won in the end - and the classic antique bisque lamps that had been sitting in our storage unit (originally bought for a client in Boston) turned out even better than I had envisioned (but not without a lot of elbow grease on my part!).
Fast forward a few weeks - and now we are getting even closer to Valentine’s Day. I still dream about those adorable little cherub lamps and what a perfect statement it would have made for the design of the Family Room. Just as I was about to resolve myself to no sweet little antique cherubs in the room – the fates flaunted yet another little angel for me to lust over – a wonderfully chippy white antique fountain cherub (and he is on sale!). I think I will print out this blog posting with a big red circle around this photo. Maybe Cupid will threaten him with arrows if he does not come through this time!

With Valentine’s Day in mind, my thoughts have turned to all things pink & red (both interior design and jewelry). Both colors are favorites of mine, but I tend to wear more pink than red. I just erased our red Family Room and Kitchen when we embarked on our renovation. Although I love the look of whites, ivory and gray – I suspect I will get bored such a neutral palette sooner rather than later. After all, I was raised in the colorful South.

Once criticized for creating a “Pink Palace” in Boston, I still have remnants of pink all over the house in Scottsdale. After so many years as a designer in Boston, I realized that people tend to like to decorate their homes similarly to the colors found in their closets – big surprise!






Pink in interior design, however, must be used judiciously. Too much and the effect can be sickeningly sweet! Used sparingly, it is a romantic, comforting and friendly color.

Bakeries frequently use pale pink boxes to package their delectable confections with the full knowledge that the soft pink color causes us to crave sugar!





Red is another color that you either love or hate in interior design. Psychologically, it evokes passion and intimacy while physiologically it increases our heart rate, blood pressure and appetite.

Casinos have historically used red to create a stimulating environment that has the added benefit of causing us to loose track of time!



For the past week or two, my jewelry workspace has been a cacophony of red, pink gemstones and creamy white pearls as I prepare for the most romantic holiday – Valentine’s Day.

If you have managed to make it to the end of this post – well, maybe you are the fortunate “Valentine”. I will be gifting a pair of “Bien-Aimé” earrings to one lucky reader on February 10th. Post a comment below and make certain I have info on how to reach you in case you win.

45 comments:

Il Mare Atelier said...

Karen, the first room looks too pink, lol! Soft pink and ivory white do work though and they last a long time without me feeling sick of them. You can tell I love the 2nd room! :-)

You do great work!

~Su
Il Mare Atelier on Etsy

Louise said...

I'm always happy to see that you have a new blog post and quickly click on the link. As you know, I think your jewelry is beyond gorgeous.

Karena said...

OMG Karen I love, love love these as all of your jewelry!! I certainly do hope to win, and will talk you up like crazy.

Unknown said...

Karen, I'm thrilled to see you have a blog. This is a delightful post! Love all of the pinks. Those are stunning rooms and stunning jewels.

I had sworn off entering my name in giveaways (I won several before Christmas), but those earrings are just too shiny! AND if I win them, I'm going to send them to someone special on Valentine's Day. I don't have piereced ears. But I would love for some special person to receive a gift that lovely.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Lory said...

I've enjoyed wearing my new earrings. I hope to win the Valentine give-away earrings!!
Thanks for the opportunity.

Unknown said...

Love the bedroom....and also love all your jewelry! Whenever I wear your earrings I get so amny compliments...hoping to win and add to the collection!

Leslie

walderez said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Christine said...

Would love to win the adorable earrings - my (soon-to-be) 17 yr. old nieces birthday is in Feb. & they would look great on her. Love the pink in the bedroom, very soothing!

walderez said...

I just love your work! Simple beautiful...

lorpac1 said...

I guess I would be considered a "newbie" to your blog. I find it quite entertaining. The antique cherub lamps are incredible. And I am sure they will look excellent in the right location. Most men are not too in to cherubs. But maybe in time. :-)

I also enjoyed the "Pink Palace" story. I found the bedroom as well as the living room quite appealing to the eye. The bedroom in particular looks very inviting. It is a room that you just want to stay in.

Please continue to update your blog on your kitchen renovation. It truly is looking beautiful.

joanna said...

Karen

the pink room is a bold statement-- I never liked the shade of pink very much until recently - I spotted a photo shot of a soft shade pf pink walls and subtle accessories with a creamy white bed and white bed linens it was so soft and inviting just the right shade -- love your jewelry designs.. wearable forever...
Joanny
the dowsers daughter
http://thedowsersdaughter.blogspot.com/

toni said...

I love your beautiful creative, unique, pieces. One of my favorite colors for interiors and fashion is Pink. My daughter mixed pink with chocolate for my last grandaughter's bedroom-and then of course I had to make pillows and throws to match. Havent you found it difficult to talk clients into this color palette? I have tho I have used the deep roses successfully in my own home. Your kitchen is beautiful and next to yellow my favorite for it's welcoming feeling. Thanks for the eye candy! Toni-tonicmendez@gmail.com
ps what is the price of the necklace featured just above the earrings that is a matching piece?

Cynthia said...

Hi, I found you via Cote de Texas, and was amazed at your gorgeous jewelry. You are so talented and offer something different than I've seen anywhere else. Please enter me in your draw.
Cynthia Lesiuk
cynthia3403@aol.com

Zoe said...

Your creations are just amazing. What a talent you are and thank you for sharing it with the world.

Zoe,
zoebeck417@yahoo.com

Rebecca R. Dyer said...

Karen,

The earrings are charming! And I love the blog. I am looking forward to seeing how you use the wonderful stones you just purchased.

Best regards,
Rebecca

Catherine said...

Now I know why I love your jewelry so much!! I love, love love the color pink too, always have, always will....I adore your jewelry designs they are brilliant, and I so admire all the intricate and delicate work, the beautiful combinations of stones and colors in the gorgeous pieces you create, .... my heart is set on owning some of your pieces in the future..... love your blog...

Catherine.

admin said...

So pretty! Please add me to the drawing!

A Tale of Two Cities said...

Found my way here from The Paris Apartment and I'm glad I did. Your jewelry is beautiful, and winning the earrings would be a wonderful Valentine surprise.

Debi
kirkfam@aol.com

A Tale of Two Cities

La Maison Fou said...

Karen,
I like the blog, found it via Joni.

Love the jewels too!
Leslie

Paulette Kinney/Paper Nosh said...

Bonjour Karen,

I came here via The Paris Apartment and just love your blog. I have cherub lamps very similar to yours!! Love love love them and the stunning jewelry, especially the pink drop number. xoxo, paulette
www.LaPinkPaperie.blogspot.com

Daisy Reyes said...

Your Majesty,

I am just ga-ga over your pictures! They are simply amazing! First spotted them at Claudia's at The Paris Apartment. I love all of the PINK:))

Royal wishes,
Daisy
http://LaPetitPlume.blogspot.com

susie said...

Your jewelry is breathtaking. Thanks for the chance.
texmvp03@att.net

Anonymous said...

Karen, Pink is never too much for me. Your jewelry and earrings are lovely:o) (I hope I win)

daydreamsofparis

Fabulously French said...

Love your pink post and ven if you are not a pink person it is amazing how much "pop" a bunch of pink flowers give to a taupe room.

Love the earrings.

Leeann

Donna@soakinginmustard.com said...

Karen,
Your jewelry says romance and enduring beauty to me! Wow.
Donna

Unknown said...

That upholstered headboard is a shape to die for! And your jewelry designs are gorgeous....I love the first necklace...the arrangement of the wires reminds me of the spiny shape of coral. Those beautiful pearls and pinks are jewelry fit for a mermaid queen!

Judi said...

Hi Karen
Oh what a sweet post with so much lovely PINKness. I've had a great time here today. The bedrooms were beautiful some more my taste than others but lovely.

I love the jewellery and would love to be entered in your giveaway.
Good luck to me and us ALL!

Come by and visit when you have a chance.
HAve a lovely day
Judi

adornedunicorn said...

Love, love the pinkness of it all, and your jewelry is fantabulous!

Becky said...

Last week I had a girly day and wore a pink cardigan with large, embroidered flowers and my favorite pearl necklace. There's something transformative about pearls - they make me the properest of ladies! Not exactly my usual character.

Becky

Dianne said...

I love a soft pink but when it gets brighter I shy away. I would love to be your winner!

Lauren said...

Hi Karen,
I am in love with your work!! Everything is lovely, and I particularly like the Tuilieries collection! (and that pink room is gorgeous)

I have to agree with Becky, <3 pearls!
~Lauren

Michele said...

I love you all of your jewelry and would wear these with much happiness and pride.
mlubskt@aol.com

Anonymous said...

So glad I found you, Karen! After looking through your blog, I'm pretty sure we were separated at birth. :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful pieces!!

cakegirl said...

Your jewels are totally awesome!

ArtistJess said...

amazing jewelry! i hope i win :)

linda said...

Found you thru Joni's blog...J'adore anything pink- it's classic, feminine and cheerful!

Anonymous said...

I am delighted to have found your lovely blog via Cote de Texas. Your jewelry is stunning, and I'd be tickled to win the earrings giveaway. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to continuing to follow your blog.

Unknown said...

Found your site while browsing and have found a new favorite. I love the jewelry, and since Feb. 14th is my birthday to boot, I'm hoping it brings me extra luck! Red and pink are my FAVORITE colors and while I don't have a pink room, I do have a red kitchen. Can't wait to read more.

judy said...

I would love to be your Valentine! You have such talent, I think your pieces are so beautiful. Hope I win!

judy

Karen Cole Wirri said...

I'm glad to see your life has moved past Tableau and back to creating beautiful jewelry. Hope the kitchen reno was everything you wanted.

Sylvia said...

Hi Karen just discovered your blog
from cotedeTexas (my favorite).Excited to discover you!
Your jewlery looks elegant but more
important timeless.Keep up the good
work.
Sylvia

jc said...

passing to your blog via passementerie blog and how lucky to see this exquisite jewelry! i always wear my heart on my sleeve so moving them up to my ears would certainly be an improvement and i have just the place to wear them as it will be our anniversary on feb, 13--

Unknown said...

Thanks for a chance to win, your pictures are beautiful. Trianna from Victoria Canada. http://triannastreasures.blogspot.com

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Karen, I just realized that I entered earlier under my email address. So I am going to enter under my blog name. Sorry for the confusion.

XO,

Sheila :-)